deism

noun

Definition of deismnext
as in paganism

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deism Those intuitions usually commended a staid deism and scorn for those whose beliefs extended any further. — Jeffrey Collins, WSJ, 12 Mar. 2021 This vague gesture in the direction of deism has no antecedent in the book, no moral or theological trajectory to make Bambi’s insight meaningful or satisfying. — Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2022 These concepts readily passed from Rousseau’s sentimental deism, to Hegel’s doctrine of world-historical progress, to Marx, and to progressivism today. — John D. Hagen, National Review, 20 Aug. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deism
  1. paganism
  2. theism
  3. pantheism
  4. theology
  5. monotheism
  6. polytheism
  7. doctrine
  8. dogma
Noun
  • There are still remnants of the Gauls in the modern French language, including the words for country and paganism, INRAP president Dominique Garcia pointed out.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • To Europeans, the binary of civility and savagery paralleled that of Christianity and paganism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of paganism
Noun
  • But the revered text affirmed a generic theism – belief in a creator god – without mentioning Jesus or Christianity.
    — Thomas Tweed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
  • And that’s just for starters on theism of some Founding Fathers.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of theism
Noun
  • In 1809, Friedrich’s budding pantheism landed him in hot water.
    — Zachary Fine, The New Yorker, 28 June 2024
  • If anyone is wondering, stoicism and pantheism are my preferred lenses through to view the world.
    — Christa Allen, Allure, 28 May 2021
Definition of pantheism
Noun
  • Members believe preserving the older form of the Mass — commonly called the Traditional Latin Mass — is essential to preserving traditional Catholic theology and ethics, said Matthew Siebert, a philosophy professor at Belmont Abbey College.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
  • While theology and ministry studies were designated as nonprofessional, the master of divinity degree often pursued by eventual pastors or ministers does retain professional status.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of theology
Noun
  • For all its moral and political weight, monotheism is surprisingly hard to pin down.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Stasevska was born in 1984, the same year that Glass’ hypnotic, ritualistic opera, about an Egyptian pharaoh who dared to push monotheism onto his polytheistic culture, debuted in Stuttgart, Germany.
    — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of monotheism
Noun
  • The faith codes included dozens of highly specific Christian denominations, as well as groups such as Ásatrú, which honors Norse gods; Eckankar, which emphasizes soul travel, dreams, and past-life study; and the Troth, a form of Germanic polytheism.
    — Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2026
  • As Jewish identity crystallized during and after the Babylonian exile, polytheism remained an enduring temptation.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of polytheism
Noun
  • Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • Deployment and engagement decisions, however, will remain under human control and within existing doctrine and legal frameworks.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
Definition of doctrine
Noun
  • Weak leaders try to resolve those tensions by picking one side and turning it into dogma.
    — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Far more valuable would be a pivot by the regime’s leadership away from some of the dogmas of its past, and toward reform.
    — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026
Definition of dogma

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deigns
deism
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Cite this Entry

“Deism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deism

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